FAQ

1: What’s so good about AP?
A: - Gives you an edge on your college application.
- Saves you money on college tuition.
- Helps you develop your potential in the classroom and beyond.
- Helps you build good study habits.
- Helps you improve your writing skills.
- Helps you shape your goals.
- Challenges you, but also makes you realize you can excel if you put your mind to it.

2: Is AP only for a select group of students?
A: No. As one AP student put it, “Everyone has the potential to do well in a particular AP subject.”
The truth is, AP classes are harder than regular classes. They involve deeper concentration, and more time and energy, and students must meet higher expectations. But anyone who is willing to accept the challenge and work hard can succeed in AP.

3: How will I know if I am prepared for an AP course?
A: Before signing up, have a good idea of whether you can handle the extra work. AP classes move rapidly and cover lots of ground. Your record of accomplishment in other courses will provide a guideline for gauging your AP potential. “If you’re strong in a particular subject, then don’t be afraid, go ahead,” an AP student advised, “because you can rely on your background skills to perform well in an AP class.”

4: How many AP courses should I take?
A: Let common sense be your guide. Take the number of AP courses you think you can handle. Remember: AP homework is more demanding. “An AP class maybe won’t give you an hour of busywork,” an AP student said. “The AP teacher will expect you to spend that hour thinking instead—on top of the time you need to complete an assignment.”

5: What is the AP Exam?
A: AP Exams are taken in May. They typically last three hours and involve multiple-choice questions and essays or problems. The exams measure reasoning skills and your ability to analyze facts and data, synthesize information, think critically about complex issues, negotiate competing perspectives, and write clearly and concisely.

6: Do I have to take the AP Exam if I take the course?
A: AP Exams are not a requirement at all schools, but most AP students do take them. There’s a good chance you can earn college credit by scoring well, so it pays to invest a few hours and the exam fee, which can possibly be reduced or waived. Many students do well on the exams and become eligible for credit or placement at thousands of colleges and universities worldwide. And if you’re thinking of studying abroad, more than 600 universities in more than 40 other countries recognize AP Exams.

7: What is the grading system for AP Exams?
A: Each AP Exam is scored using a five-point scale: